Unemployment rate, United Kingdom
The unemployment rate in the United Kingdom was 4.90% in , unchanged from and up 0.20 pp from a year earlier. Over the latest 12 readings it moved between 4.80% and 5.20%. The next reading is for July 2026. Source: ONS, ONS LMS, CDID MGSX; history from .
Key takeaways
- The unemployment rate at 4.90% in beats 41% of readings since (ONS).
- Against a ten-year average of 4.34%, the unemployment rate is above that norm by 0.56 pp (ONS).
- On the unemployment rate, the United Kingdom ranks 2nd highest of 4 countries (national publishers).
What this indicator is and why it matters
The unemployment rate is the share of the UK labor force aged 16 and over that is out of work and seeking a job, from the Office for National Statistics' Labour Force Survey (CDID MGSX). It is seasonally adjusted and measured over three months: each figure is an average for the three months ending in the month shown, published about six weeks after that.
It is the main measure of slack in the UK labor market and a central input to Bank of England decisions, which weigh unemployment against wage growth to judge inflation pressure. For banks, rising unemployment is the clearest signal of more borrowers struggling with mortgages and unsecured debt.
The Labour Force Survey has had well-documented quality problems. Falling response rates led the ONS to suspend some estimates in late 2023 and to publish later figures with warnings, and it has been developing a new survey to replace it. Movements of a tenth or two are within sampling error, and the three-month averaging means turning points show up late. Compare it with payroll data from tax records and with vacancy figures before drawing conclusions.
Where it sits in history
The unemployment rate is at its lowest since , when it stood at 4.80%. Within ten years, the unemployment rate beats 84% of readings; earlier years held the unemployment rate higher.
| Window | Latest is higher than | Average | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since January 2006 | 41% of readings | 5.51% | 8.50% | 3.60% |
| Last ten years | 84% of readings | 4.34% | 5.30% | 3.60% |
| Last five years | 83% of readings | 4.32% | 5.20% | 3.60% |
- Unemployment rate 4.9%
Recent readings
Last five years
- Unemployment rate 4.9%
Latest readings
| Period | Value | Change from previous |
|---|---|---|
| 4.90% | 0.00 pp | |
| 4.90% | 0.00 pp | |
| 4.90% | 0.00 pp | |
| 4.90% | -0.10 pp | |
| 5.00% | +0.10 pp | |
| 4.90% | -0.30 pp | |
| 5.20% | 0.00 pp | |
| 5.20% | +0.10 pp | |
| 5.10% | 0.00 pp | |
| 5.10% | +0.10 pp | |
| 5.00% | +0.20 pp | |
| 4.80% | +0.10 pp | |
| 4.70% | 0.00 pp |
Annual averages
By calendar-year average, the unemployment rate peaked in (8.09%) and bottomed in (3.78%). 2026 to date: 4.92%, after 4.85% in 2025.
| Year | Average | Low | High | Readings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (part year) | 4.92% | 4.90% | 5.00% | 6 |
| 2025 | 4.85% | 4.50% | 5.20% | 12 |
| 2024 | 4.29% | 4.10% | 4.40% | 12 |
| 2023 | 4.08% | 3.90% | 4.40% | 12 |
| 2022 | 3.78% | 3.60% | 3.90% | 12 |
| 2021 | 4.54% | 4.10% | 5.00% | 12 |
| 2020 | 4.60% | 3.90% | 5.30% | 12 |
| 2019 | 3.85% | 3.70% | 4.00% | 12 |
| 2018 | 4.08% | 3.90% | 4.20% | 12 |
| 2017 | 4.38% | 4.20% | 4.60% | 12 |
| 2016 | 4.89% | 4.70% | 5.10% | 12 |
| 2015 | 5.38% | 5.10% | 5.60% | 12 |
| 2014 | 6.17% | 5.60% | 6.90% | 12 |
| 2013 | 7.58% | 7.10% | 8.00% | 12 |
| 2012 | 7.97% | 7.80% | 8.30% | 12 |
| 2011 | 8.09% | 7.70% | 8.50% | 12 |
| 2010 | 7.89% | 7.80% | 8.00% | 12 |
| 2009 | 7.61% | 6.70% | 7.90% | 12 |
| 2008 | 5.71% | 5.20% | 6.50% | 12 |
| 2007 | 5.33% | 5.20% | 5.50% | 12 |
| 2006 | 5.42% | 5.20% | 5.50% | 12 |
Same measure in other countries
The unemployment rate in the United Kingdom is above 2 of the other 3 comparable readings. Four countries compared.
| Country | Series | Latest | Period | Change on a year earlier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Unemployment rate | 4.90% | +0.20 pp | |
| United States | Unemployment rate | 4.20% | September 2026 | -0.20 pp |
| Canada | Unemployment rate | 6.50% | September 2026 | -0.60 pp |
| Australia | Unemployment rate | 4.72% | September 2026 | +0.29 pp |
How is it measured?
Unemployment rate, aged 16 and over, seasonally adjusted (three-month average ending in the month shown).
ONS publishes the unemployment rate monthly in ONS LMS, CDID MGSX, in percent and is seasonally adjusted. Code: MGSX/LMS. Method for the unemployment rate.
Questions
How high is the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom now?
4.90% in (ONS), up 0.20 pp on a year earlier.
Is the unemployment rate high by historical standards?
The unemployment rate beats 41% of readings since ; its peak was 8.50% (), its low 3.60% ().
When is the unemployment rate updated?
Monthly, in ONS LMS, CDID MGSX. Next reading: July 2026.
Where can I check the unemployment rate at the source?
ONS data, code MGSX/LMS.